Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 1, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleEuropol warns that the Iran–Israel conflict raises the “level of terrorist threat and violent extremism” across EU territory, with immediate risks of cyberattacks, AI‑powered fraud, and destabilising actions by Iran‑linked groups. This follows broader EU efforts to bolster counter‑terrorism and cybe
MADRID, March 5 (Reuters) - The Middle East conflict will have "immediate repercussions" for European Union security with an increased threat of terrorism, serious and organised crime as well as violent extremism and cyberattacks, European police body Europol told Spanish news agency EFE on Thursday.
Europol spokesman Jan Op Gen Oorth said he expected to see more cyberattacks against European infrastructure and an increase in online fraud using increasingly sophisticated Artificial Intelligence and exploiting the flurry of information swirling about the conflict online, EFE reported.
Groups linked to Iran could seek to carry out "destabilising activities" within the EU, he added, referring to groups linked to the so-called Axis of Resistance, the network of anti-American and Israeli Shi'ite militias in countries including Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. These could include terrorist attacks, intimidation campaigns, terrorist financing and cybercrime.
"The level of terrorist threat and violent extremism in EU territory is considered high," he told the news agency.
The terror threat could be heightened by individuals acting alone or small cells acting on their own initiative, he said.
"The rapid spread of polarising content on the internet can accelerate short-term radicalisation processes among diaspora communities within the EU and other individuals," he said.
Europol did not immediately return a Reuters request for comment on the reported statements.
Iran and Israel on Thursday were exchanging fire on a sixth day of war after Israel and the United States launched joint air strikes on Iran on the weekend. So far the attacks have killed more than 1,000 people including Iran's Supreme Leader, prompted Iran to attack neighbours including Qatar and UAE along with energy shipments.
(Reporting by Aislinn Laing)
Europol warns that the Iran crisis will have immediate repercussions for EU security, raising the threat of terrorism, extremism, and cyberattacks.
Europol highlights an increased threat of terrorism, violent extremism, cyberattacks on infrastructure, and online fraud using AI.
Groups linked to Iran, including anti-American and Israeli militias known as the 'Axis of Resistance,' are identified as threats for destabilising activities.
Europol expects a rise in cyberattacks and more sophisticated online fraud targeting European infrastructure and the financial sector.
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